Paul'S Pasta
Paul's Pasta is a vibrant, cheesy pasta salad featuring pepperoni, black olives, and Italian dressing, perfect for casual gatherings and easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the pasta and drain.
- Chop the pepperoni and slice the black olives.
- Add the cooked pasta, pepperoni, and olives to a large bowl.
- Toss with Kraft Zesty Italian dressing and Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute the Kraft Zesty Italian dressing with a homemade vinaigrette. Instead of Parmesan, try crumbled feta for a different flavor profile. If the pasta cools too much, a splash of warm water can help loosen the dressing before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta dish is perfect as a stand-alone meal but can be served alongside grilled chicken or a fresh green salad for a complete dinner. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Italian Sausage Roll or Skillet Supper With Italian Sausage. Garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also serve it cold as a pasta salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Paul'S Pasta contains roughly 202 calories, with 12g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 575mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this pasta salad a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and mix in the dressing right before serving to keep the pasta from getting too soggy. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
What other ingredients can I add to this dish?
You can also add croutons for extra crunch or swap the olives for pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! This pasta salad is great for meal prepping. Portion it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Just be mindful of how much dressing you add if you plan to store it for several days, as it can absorb and become dry.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).